Hearing of the House Appropriations Committee - Fiscal Year 2016 State, Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill

Hearing

Thank you [Chairwoman Granger and Ranking Member Lowey] for your comments and for your
collegial work on this bill. Your dedication to the important programs within this bill is evident,
and I am grateful to you, your subcommittee and your staff for all you have done to bring this
bill before the Committee today.

This bill rightly prioritizes national security -- providing critical aid to our strategic allies,
securing key diplomatic outposts, and investing in programs that will grow democracy across the
world.

This funding will help find and defeat terrorists, prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons,
support peacekeeping operations, and fight drug trafficking.

The bill also helps democracy worldwide -- targeting funds to life-saving development, global
health, and humanitarian aid programs.

Yet, the security and future prosperity of our nation relies on making sure that we don't become
beholden to our creditors or shove the burden of our debts onto the backs of our children. So this
bill makes responsible decisions to trim funding from lower-priority programs.

In conclusion, I want to again thank Chairwoman Granger and the Subcommittee for drafting
such a well-balanced, conscientious State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. I am proud
to support it today, and I urge this Committee to promptly report it to the House.

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